An absorbent article oriented along X-, Y- and Z-axes has been patented. The article features a liquid-permeable cover, a liquid-impermeable baffle surrounding an absorbent core with a length and a thickness The core includes a first flexure axis, which extends longitudinally through a central portion, along the Y-axis. A channel extends along the first flexure axis, along the length of the absorbent core and extends through approximately 3% up to no more than 99% of the thickness of the core. The channel forms a pocket for receiving body fluids in a direction of the Z-axis of the article to facilitate rapid absorption of body fluids. The core comprises first and second portions extending laterally from the first flexure axis, along the X-axis, with each of the first and second portions having a longitudinally-extending outer boundary. The first portion has a second flexure axis that extends longitudinally along the core. The second portion has a third flexure axis, which extends longitudinally along the core and the second and third flexure axes are spaced from the first flexure axis. Several longitudinally spaced slits extend along the second and third flexure axes and uncut portions of the core between respective slits. The slits on the second flexure axis are spaced from adjacent slits on the second flexure axis by distances of approximately 5mm to about 35 mm where the core’s first and second portions comprise unslit regions, which extend from the first flexure axis to the respective longitudinally-extending outer boundaries of the first and second portions. The absorbent core is subjected to lateral compressive forces and the first and second portions preferentially bend convexly upwardly toward the cover, at the first flexure axis.